Off The Clock: The N.H. State Home Show - the cure for cabin fever

Published: February 18, 2005

By now, the New Hampshire winter has given us all a pretty good case of cabin fever. That also means it’s a great time to spruce up that cabin, and where else to get some advice and ideas than at the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire’s 38th annual State Home Show, March 11-13 at the Center of New Hampshire-Radisson Hotel in Manchester.
Patti Allen of HBRANH said some 32,000 people attended last year’s show, which she said is “the oldest and largest home show in the state.”
The highlight of this year’s show will be the “Ask the Expert” events held throughout the weekend. From remodelers to landscapers you can get “your chance to ask all your home improvement questions,” said Allen.
If you can’t make it to the seminars, there will be over 200 exhibitors who can give you their advice.
“Try to bring at least some basic information about your project,” said Allen. “If you don’t know where to start, the show is an excellent place to start your fact-finding mission.”
It’s best to come prepared with a little information, but remember: There are some 31,999 people behind you that also have a few questions to ask. Make some contacts, get some facts, then make an appointment with the contractor to sit down and discuss your project in depth.
You can, however, get a little more face time with contractors during meal times when the crowds are smaller. In fact, Allen said 85 percent of HBRANH’s contractors get most of their yearly business from the show.
To avoid getting “show-ed” out, go in with a bit of strategy. Visit the contractors you are the most interested in first, then check out the other exhibits. That way you’ll be able to discuss your project while you are fresh and not trying to make decisions after having seen hundreds of other booths.
While there’s enough information at the show to build a house from the ground up, there’s also plenty to do for the little OTC’ers (or is it DIY’ers?). Once again, Dan Grady will bring his “Marvelous Marionettes,” a puppet show that the whole family can enjoy.
The Women’s Council of HBRANH will be raffling a Jeff Gordon go-cart again this year. Proceeds from the raffle will go to charity. Many of the exhibitors also are holding raffles and give-aways.
38th annual New Hampshire State Home Show
Center of New Hampshire - Radisson Hotel
Friday, March 11, 1 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $8 for adults,$5 for seniors, free for children 12 and under accompanied by adult.
For more information: www.hbranh.org

This article appears in the February 18 2005 issue of New Hampshire Business Review